If you’re a dentist or dental hygienist carrying student loan debt and serving patients at a federally qualified health center, tribal clinic, or other NHSC-approved site, the federal government may have tens of thousands of dollars waiting for you—but only if you apply before the deadline.

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC), administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is currently accepting applications for its FY 2026 loan repayment cycle. Three distinct programs are open simultaneously, each designed to place and retain health professionals in communities with significant provider shortages.

The application deadline for all three programs is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Each of the three NHSC loan repayment programs targets a different segment of the health workforce, but all three share a common goal: recruiting and retaining providers in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). For dental providers, these programs represent one of the most substantial federal investments in reducing educational debt.

Note: The SUD Workforce and Rural Community programs are specifically designed for providers working at NHSC-approved substance use disorder treatment facilities. The Rural Community LRP further requires that the facility be located in a rural area. Dental providers at these types of sites may be eligible for the higher award amounts.

All NHSC loan repayment awards are tax-free—they are exempt from both federal income and employment taxes. After completing an initial service commitment, participants may also be eligible for continuation contracts providing up to $20,000 per additional year of service.

This year, NHSC is offering a one-time supplemental award of up to $5,000 for providers who demonstrate proficiency in delivering patient care in Spanish. The enhancement is available across all three loan repayment programs and reflects HRSA’s emphasis on addressing language access barriers in underserved communities.

To qualify, applicants must indicate their Spanish language proficiency on the application. Their site’s Point of Contact must also confirm that the provider delivers direct patient care in Spanish to individuals with limited English proficiency. After the application window closes, eligible applicants will be directed to complete a proficiency assessment through an approved vendor, and a score of three or higher is required.

Dentists (DDS/DMD) specializing in general or pediatric dentistry and dental hygienists are eligible disciplines under the NHSC Loan Repayment Program. Under the standard LRP, dental providers can receive up to $50,000 for a full-time, two-year commitment or up to $25,000 for half-time service. With the Spanish language enhancement, total awards can reach $55,000 for full-time participants.

For dental professionals working at community health centers, tribal health programs, and other safety-net clinics in designated dental HPSAs, this represents a meaningful tool for reducing the burden of educational debt. The average dental school graduate now carries more than $290,000 in student loans, making programs like NHSC critical to the pipeline of providers willing to serve in underserved areas.

Applications are submitted through the Bureau of Health Workforce’s online portal at My BHW (bhw.hrsa.gov). The portal includes screening questions that help applicants determine which of the three programs they are eligible for.

NHSC estimates that a complete application takes approximately three weeks to assemble, including required supporting documents, Employment Verification forms, and access to a credit report. Applicants should note that failure to unfreeze or unlock a credit report will disqualify an application.

•       Application Checklist (PDF) — A step-by-step guide to completing your submission.

•       Program Comparison Chart — Side-by-side comparison of all three LRPs to determine which fits your situation.

•       Application Assistance Webinar — A recorded walkthrough of the application process, available on the NHSC website.

•       Health Workforce Connector — A searchable database of NHSC-approved sites and open positions.

NHSC is hosting several live virtual sessions throughout March where applicants can get answers to their questions in real time:

Sessions are hosted via Zoom. Links are available on the NHSC website at nhsc.hrsa.gov.

For login or technical issues, submit a request through the NHSC webform and select “Technical Issue: Login Issue/Password Reset” from the subject menu.

For application questions, contact the NHSC Customer Care Center at 1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays.

The NHSC has supported more than 18,000 primary care medical, dental, and behavioral health providers serving nearly 18.9 million patients at over 8,400 community-based sites. For dental professionals committed to working in underserved communities, these loan repayment programs offer a direct, tax-free pathway to reducing educational debt while building a career in community health.

The application deadline is March 31. Start your application at nhsc.hrsa.gov.